Told with honesty and good humor, this moving picture book recounts beloved author Michael Rosen’s recovery from Covid.
One day, three people came to my bedside and said: “Today we are going to get you up.” After being admitted to the hospital in 2020 for treatment of Covid, Michael Rosen had to learn to walk again. With the help of the hospital staff, he began the slow steps to recovery—rolling through corridors in a wheelchair, taking tiny steps with a walker, and navigating the parallel bars at the gym. But it was the walking stick he named Sticky McStickstick that helped him take the most important steps of all: back to his home and the love of his family. The former British Children’s Laureate offers a personal and openhearted account, with whimsical illustrations by Tony Ross adding a note of levity as they relay the comedy in Rosen’s reluctance and failed attempts. It’s a story of perseverance and hope told in a way that children can understand, conveying reassurance and the importance of overcoming fear—while learning to accept help.
Rosen’s short, matter-of-fact sentences echo his step-by-step progress; Ross’ energetic, limber cartoon illustrations add humor as Rosen careens haphazardly through hospital hallways in a wheelchair and tenderness as Rosen walks unaided to meet his son’s family in the park. . . . A reassuring tale of patience and persistence that will especially resonate with kids recovering from injuries or illnesses. —Kirkus Reviews
Rosen taps into a well of feeling that anyone trying to get better after a long illness (or knowing someone who is) will share. . . . A personal story, but a timely one that offers a hopeful model of recovery from serious illness. —School Library Journal
Michael Rosen is one of the most popular contemporary poets and authors of books for children. He received the Eleanor Farjeon Award for services to children’s literature in 1997 and served as Children’s Laureate in the UK between 2007 and 2009. His books include the worldwide bestseller We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and the award-winning Michael Rosen’s Sad Book as well as What’s So Special About Shakespeare?, What’s So Special About Dickens?,and What Is Poetry? He lives in London.
Tony Ross is a multi-award-winning creator of children’s books. In addition to his own books and the Dr. Xargle series by Jeanne Willis, he has illustrated books for such authors as Roald Dahl, Paula Danziger, and Michael Palin. Tony Ross lives in England.
Told with honesty and good humor, this moving picture book recounts beloved author Michael Rosen’s recovery from Covid.
One day, three people came to my bedside and said: “Today we are going to get you up.” After being admitted to the hospital in 2020 for treatment of Covid, Michael Rosen had to learn to walk again. With the help of the hospital staff, he began the slow steps to recovery—rolling through corridors in a wheelchair, taking tiny steps with a walker, and navigating the parallel bars at the gym. But it was the walking stick he named Sticky McStickstick that helped him take the most important steps of all: back to his home and the love of his family. The former British Children’s Laureate offers a personal and openhearted account, with whimsical illustrations by Tony Ross adding a note of levity as they relay the comedy in Rosen’s reluctance and failed attempts. It’s a story of perseverance and hope told in a way that children can understand, conveying reassurance and the importance of overcoming fear—while learning to accept help.
Praise
Rosen’s short, matter-of-fact sentences echo his step-by-step progress; Ross’ energetic, limber cartoon illustrations add humor as Rosen careens haphazardly through hospital hallways in a wheelchair and tenderness as Rosen walks unaided to meet his son’s family in the park. . . . A reassuring tale of patience and persistence that will especially resonate with kids recovering from injuries or illnesses. —Kirkus Reviews
Rosen taps into a well of feeling that anyone trying to get better after a long illness (or knowing someone who is) will share. . . . A personal story, but a timely one that offers a hopeful model of recovery from serious illness. —School Library Journal
Author
Michael Rosen is one of the most popular contemporary poets and authors of books for children. He received the Eleanor Farjeon Award for services to children’s literature in 1997 and served as Children’s Laureate in the UK between 2007 and 2009. His books include the worldwide bestseller We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and the award-winning Michael Rosen’s Sad Book as well as What’s So Special About Shakespeare?, What’s So Special About Dickens?,and What Is Poetry? He lives in London.
Tony Ross is a multi-award-winning creator of children’s books. In addition to his own books and the Dr. Xargle series by Jeanne Willis, he has illustrated books for such authors as Roald Dahl, Paula Danziger, and Michael Palin. Tony Ross lives in England.
